Sixers coach Nick Nurse steps away to mourn brother, expected back for Game 2 – The Athletic
Sixers coach Nick Nurse was away from the team Tuesday to attend his brother’s funeral services. Sarah Stier / Getty Images
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse was away from the team Tuesday, attending funeral services for his older brother, Stephen.
Stephen Nurse, 62, passed away unexpectedly last week, the day before the Sixers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of their first-round series. Nick Nurse coached in Games 6 and 7 of the Boston series, and in Game 1 of Philadelphia’s matchup against the New York Knicks.
Nurse is expected to fly back from the service in his hometown of Carroll, Iowa, and rejoin the team Tuesday night. He is expected to be available for Wednesday night’s Game 2 against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks took a 1-0 lead in Monday night’s Game 1, winning 137-98. The Sixers had a film session Tuesday morning.
Nurse left New York following Game 1.
May 5, 2026
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